What is a breakoffplug?
A breakoffplug is a small bolt style drain plug that fits directly above the check valve of a pump.
Why is it used?
A breakoffplug is used to drain the column of water making it easier and safer to remove the pump and pipe from the well.
How does it work ?
The breakoffplug is only used when you want to remove the pump and pipe from the well. It is installed above the check valve and remains functional until you want to remove the pump from the well.
When you are ready to remove the pump from the well, you lower a torpedo down the inside of the pipe column until it comes to rest on the breakoffplug. You lift the torpedo with the rope and then allow it to drop, thereby breaking the breakoffplug and allowing the water to drain out of the column.
The torpedo is simply a smaller diameter pipe and it has a rope attached to the end. When this comes to rest on the breakoffplug, you simply pull on the rope and lift the torpedo then drop it down so that it breaks the breakoffplug allowing the column to drain.
The water will drain to static water level. As you lift the pump and pipe out of the well, the remaining water will continue draining out of the pipe.
In this manner the pipe and pump are dry as they reach the surface. This helps with keeping the area around the well dry, safe and easy to work in.
What if I do not want to use a breakoffplug?
Many users simply drill a hole through the check valve. While this is an effective solution, it is not an efficient solution. The problem is that every time the pump stops the water will drain back to static water level. This results is more energy used every time the pump starts as the column has to be filled again.
Another option can be to not drill the check valve. This is also acceptable but the only catch is when removing the pump for the well, the pipe is full of water. The result is a heavier lifting weight and a wet surface around the well.
Many users simply drill a hole through the check valve. While this is an effective solution, it is not an efficient solution. The problem is that every time the pump stops the water will drain back to static water level. This results is more energy used every time the pump starts as the column has to be filled again.
Another option can be to not drill the check valve. This is also acceptable but the only catch is when removing the pump for the well, the pipe is full of water. The result is a heavier lifting weight and a wet surface around the well.